Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An in-line combined DC and AC current sensor for an electric power line, comprising: a bus bar configured to be connected in-line with an electric power line conductor; an electronics board positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board, electronic components carried on the electronics board comprising a microprocessor, a memory and a radio, the memory and the radio operatively connected to the microprocessor; a pair of DC current measurement pickups spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor; a power supply coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the power supply coil, the power supply coil configured to harvest electric energy from the power line conductor and provide the harvested electric energy to power the electronic components; an AC current sensor coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the AC current sensor coil; an electronics board cover positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board cover; an end plate positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the end plate, with the electronics board, the DC current measurement pickups, the power supply coil, and the AC current sensor coil positioned between the electronics board cover and the end plate.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor for electric power lines. The device monitors both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) in a single unit, addressing the need for compact, integrated solutions in power distribution systems. The sensor includes a bus bar that connects directly to the power line conductor, ensuring minimal disruption to the electrical path. An electronics board, positioned perpendicular to the bus bar, houses a microprocessor, memory, and a radio for data processing and wireless communication. The board also supports DC current measurement pickups, spaced apart along the bus bar, which detect DC current levels and transmit data to the microprocessor. A power supply coil, also transverse to the bus bar, harvests energy from the power line to supply electricity to the electronic components, eliminating the need for external power sources. An AC current sensor coil, similarly positioned, measures AC current and sends data to the microprocessor. The assembly is enclosed between an electronics board cover and an end plate, both aligned perpendicular to the bus bar, ensuring structural integrity and protection. This design provides a self-powered, integrated solution for monitoring both DC and AC currents in power lines, enhancing efficiency and reliability in power management systems.
2. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor of claim 1 , wherein: the electronic components are carried on a side of the electronics board; and a foil patch antenna element is carried on an opposing side of the electronics board.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor designed to measure both direct and alternating currents in a single device. The sensor integrates electronic components on one side of an electronics board, while a foil patch antenna element is positioned on the opposing side. The foil patch antenna facilitates wireless communication, enabling remote monitoring and data transmission. The sensor is structured to be placed in-line with a conductor, allowing it to directly measure current flow without requiring external connections. The electronic components include circuitry for signal processing, amplification, and conversion, ensuring accurate measurement of both DC and AC currents. The dual-sided design optimizes space efficiency and simplifies manufacturing by consolidating functional elements on a single board. This configuration enhances reliability and reduces the risk of interference between the antenna and electronic components. The sensor is particularly useful in applications requiring compact, integrated current monitoring with wireless capabilities, such as industrial equipment, renewable energy systems, and smart grid infrastructure. The invention addresses the need for a versatile, space-efficient sensor that combines DC and AC measurement with wireless communication in a single, streamlined device.
3. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor of claim 1 further comprising an antenna.
The invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor designed to measure both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) within a single device. Traditional current sensors often require separate components for DC and AC measurements, leading to increased complexity and cost. This sensor integrates both functionalities into a compact, streamlined design, reducing the need for multiple sensors in applications where both current types must be monitored. The sensor includes a magnetic core that interacts with the current-carrying conductor to generate a measurable magnetic field. For DC current measurement, the sensor employs a Hall effect element or similar magnetic field detector to provide a proportional output signal. For AC current measurement, the sensor utilizes a secondary winding or inductive pickup to detect the alternating magnetic field, converting it into a corresponding voltage or current signal. The combined design ensures accurate measurement of both current types without requiring separate sensors or complex calibration processes. Additionally, the sensor incorporates an antenna to enable wireless communication or power transmission, allowing for remote monitoring or energy harvesting in certain applications. This feature enhances the sensor's versatility, particularly in environments where wired connections are impractical or where real-time data transmission is required. The antenna may also facilitate integration with IoT (Internet of Things) systems, enabling seamless data logging and analysis. The sensor is particularly useful in power distribution systems, renewable energy installations, and industrial automation, where both DC and AC currents must be monitored for efficiency, safety, and performance optimization. By consoli
4. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor of claim 3 , wherein the antenna comprises a first foil patch antenna element that transmits communication signals having a first polarity and a second foil patch antenna element that transmits communication signals having a second polarity orthogonal to the first polarity.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor with an antenna system designed for dual-polarity communication. The sensor is used to measure both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) in a single device, addressing the need for compact, integrated solutions in power monitoring and communication systems. The antenna system includes two foil patch antenna elements: a first element transmits communication signals with a first polarity, while a second element transmits signals with a second polarity orthogonal to the first. This dual-polarity design enhances signal diversity and reliability in wireless communication, particularly in environments where signal interference or multipath effects are present. The sensor integrates these antenna elements directly into the device, ensuring compactness and efficient signal transmission without requiring external antennas. The orthogonal polarization of the transmitted signals improves communication robustness by mitigating polarization mismatch and enhancing reception quality. This design is particularly useful in industrial, automotive, or smart grid applications where accurate current sensing and reliable wireless communication are critical. The sensor's ability to measure both DC and AC currents while supporting dual-polarity wireless communication provides a versatile solution for modern power monitoring and control systems.
5. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor that generates a temperature signal representative of the bus bar temperature, which the microprocessor uses in temperature compensated computation of DC current flowing in the bus bar.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor designed for monitoring electrical currents in a bus bar. The sensor addresses the challenge of accurately measuring both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) in a single device, which is critical for power management and protection systems. The sensor includes a magnetic field sensor that detects the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the bus bar, allowing for simultaneous measurement of both DC and AC components. A microprocessor processes the sensor signals to compute the current values, ensuring precise and reliable monitoring. The invention further incorporates a temperature sensor that generates a temperature signal representing the bus bar temperature. The microprocessor uses this temperature data to compensate for temperature-induced variations in the sensor's measurements, improving the accuracy of the DC current computation. This temperature compensation is particularly important in high-power applications where temperature fluctuations can significantly affect sensor performance. The combined DC and AC sensing capability, along with temperature compensation, makes this sensor suitable for applications requiring robust and precise current monitoring in dynamic electrical environments.
6. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor claim 1 , further comprising: a first bracket connecting the electronics board cover to the bus bar; and a second bracket connecting the end plate to the bus bar.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor designed for measuring both direct and alternating currents in a single device. The sensor addresses the need for compact, integrated current measurement solutions that can handle both DC and AC signals without requiring separate sensors or complex wiring configurations. The sensor includes a bus bar that conducts the electrical current to be measured. A first bracket secures an electronics board cover to the bus bar, while a second bracket connects an end plate to the bus bar. The electronics board cover houses the sensing and processing components, which detect and measure the current flowing through the bus bar. The end plate provides structural support and may include additional mounting or connection points. The brackets ensure proper alignment and mechanical stability of the sensor components relative to the bus bar, allowing for accurate current measurements. The design integrates both DC and AC sensing capabilities into a single unit, reducing installation complexity and space requirements. The sensor is suitable for applications where both current types must be monitored, such as in power distribution systems, renewable energy installations, or industrial machinery. The use of brackets simplifies assembly and ensures reliable performance under varying environmental conditions.
7. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor of claim 1 , wherein the electronic components further comprise a GPS device.
The invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor designed to measure both direct and alternating electrical currents within a single device. The sensor integrates electronic components that enable simultaneous detection and processing of DC and AC signals, providing a compact and efficient solution for monitoring electrical systems. A key feature of this sensor is the inclusion of a GPS device, which allows for precise geolocation tracking of the sensor's measurements. This functionality is particularly useful in applications where the physical location of current measurements is critical, such as in distributed energy systems, remote monitoring, or asset tracking. The GPS device may be used to timestamp and geotag the collected data, enhancing the accuracy and usability of the sensor's output. The sensor is designed to be installed directly in-line with electrical conductors, ensuring minimal disruption to the circuit while providing real-time current monitoring. The integration of GPS capabilities distinguishes this sensor from conventional current measurement devices, offering additional contextual data that can be leveraged for advanced analytics, fault detection, or system optimization. The sensor's design ensures compatibility with various electrical systems, making it suitable for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
8. An in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system, comprising: an electric power switch; an electric power line conductor; an in-line electric power line monitoring device connected between the electric power switch and the electric power line conductor, comprising: a bus bar connected in-line with the electric power line conductor; an electronics board positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board, electronic components carried on the electronics board comprising a microprocessor, a memory and a radio, the memory and the radio operatively connected to the microprocessor; a pair of DC current measurement pickups spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor; a power supply coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the power supply coil, the power supply coil configured to harvest electric energy from the power line conductor and provide the harvested electric energy to power the electronic components; an AC current sensor coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the AC current sensor coil; an electronics board cover positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board cover; an end plate positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the end plate, with the electronics board, the DC current measurement pickups, the power supply coil, and the AC current sensor coil positioned between the electronics board cover and the end plate.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system designed for monitoring electric power lines. The system addresses the need for a compact, integrated solution to measure both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) in power distribution systems, while also harvesting energy from the power line to operate its components. The system includes an electric power switch and an electric power line conductor, with an in-line monitoring device connected between them. The monitoring device features a bus bar that conducts the power line current and extends through various components. An electronics board, positioned transversely to the bus bar, carries a microprocessor, memory, and a radio for data processing and wireless communication. The system measures DC current using a pair of spaced-apart pickups on the bus bar and AC current via a sensor coil, both connected to the microprocessor. A power supply coil, also positioned around the bus bar, harvests energy from the power line to supply the electronic components. The assembly is enclosed between an electronics board cover and an end plate, ensuring structural integrity and protection. This design enables real-time monitoring of both DC and AC currents in a single, self-powered device, reducing the need for separate sensors and external power sources.
9. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system of claim 8 , wherein: the electronic components are carried on a side of the electronics board; and a foil patch antenna element is carried on an opposing side of the electronics board.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system designed to measure both direct and alternating currents in a single device. The system addresses the need for compact, integrated solutions that can monitor both types of currents without requiring separate sensors, reducing complexity and cost in applications such as power distribution, industrial equipment, and renewable energy systems. The sensor system includes an electronics board that houses electronic components on one side, while a foil patch antenna element is mounted on the opposing side. The electronics board integrates circuitry for processing signals from the current sensing elements, which may include Hall-effect sensors or other magnetic field-based detection methods. The foil patch antenna enables wireless communication, allowing the sensor to transmit data to external monitoring systems without the need for wired connections. This dual-sided design optimizes space efficiency and simplifies installation in confined environments. The system is configured to measure current flow in a conductor placed in close proximity to the sensor, with the electronics board and antenna arranged to minimize interference between the sensing and communication functions. The foil patch antenna is designed to operate at specific frequencies, ensuring reliable wireless data transmission while maintaining the sensor's compact form factor. This configuration is particularly useful in applications where space constraints and the need for both DC and AC current monitoring are critical.
10. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system of claim 8 , further comprising an antenna.
The invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system designed to measure both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) in a single device. Traditional current sensors often require separate systems for DC and AC measurements, leading to increased complexity, cost, and space requirements. This system integrates both functionalities into a compact, in-line design, simplifying installation and reducing overall system footprint. The sensor system includes a magnetic core that interacts with the current-carrying conductor to generate a magnetic field proportional to the current. The system measures this field using sensing elements that detect both DC and AC components simultaneously. The integrated design ensures accurate measurements across a wide frequency range, from low-frequency AC to steady-state DC. Additionally, the system includes an antenna, which may be used for wireless communication, enabling remote monitoring and data transmission. This feature enhances usability in applications where wired connections are impractical, such as in industrial automation, renewable energy systems, or smart grid infrastructure. The antenna may also facilitate calibration or diagnostic functions, ensuring long-term reliability. By combining DC and AC sensing with wireless capabilities in a single in-line device, the system provides a cost-effective, space-efficient solution for current monitoring in various electrical systems. The design reduces the need for multiple sensors, simplifies installation, and improves overall system performance.
11. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system of claim 10 , wherein the antenna comprises a first foil patch antenna element that transmits communication signals having a first polarity and a second foil patch antenna element that transmits communication signals having a second polarity orthogonal to the first polarity.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system designed to measure both direct and alternating currents in a single device. The system includes an antenna with dual foil patch antenna elements for wireless communication. The first foil patch antenna element transmits communication signals with a first polarity, while the second foil patch antenna element transmits signals with a second polarity orthogonal to the first. This orthogonal polarization enhances signal transmission and reception, improving communication reliability in environments where interference or multipath effects are present. The sensor system integrates current measurement capabilities with wireless communication, allowing for remote monitoring and data transmission. The dual-polarized antenna design ensures robust performance by mitigating signal degradation caused by orientation or environmental factors. The system is particularly useful in industrial, utility, or smart grid applications where accurate current sensing and reliable wireless communication are required. The combination of DC and AC sensing with advanced antenna technology provides a compact, efficient solution for real-time power monitoring and management.
12. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system of claim 8 , further comprising a temperature sensor that generates a temperature signal representative of the bus bar temperature, which the microprocessor uses in temperature compensated computation of DC current flowing in the bus bar.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system designed for monitoring electrical currents in bus bars. The system addresses the challenge of accurately measuring both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) in high-power electrical systems, where traditional sensors often struggle with interference or require separate components for each current type. The system includes a bus bar through which electrical current flows, a magnetic field sensor positioned near the bus bar to detect the magnetic field generated by the current, and a microprocessor that processes the sensor signals to compute both DC and AC current values. The magnetic field sensor is configured to detect the magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the bus bar, allowing for precise measurement of both current types simultaneously. Additionally, the system incorporates a temperature sensor that generates a temperature signal representative of the bus bar's temperature. The microprocessor uses this temperature signal to compensate for temperature-induced variations in the bus bar's electrical properties, ensuring accurate DC current measurements even under changing thermal conditions. This temperature compensation enhances the system's reliability in environments where temperature fluctuations could otherwise introduce measurement errors. The combined DC and AC sensing capability, along with temperature compensation, makes this system particularly useful in industrial, automotive, and renewable energy applications where precise current monitoring is critical.
13. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system of claim 8 , further comprising: a first bracket connecting the electronics board cover to the bus bar; and a second bracket connecting the end plate to the bus bar.
This invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system designed for monitoring both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) in electrical systems. The system addresses the need for a compact, integrated solution that can accurately measure both types of current without requiring separate sensors for each, thereby reducing complexity and cost. The system includes a bus bar for conducting electrical current, an electronics board cover housing the sensing and processing components, and an end plate providing structural support. The bus bar is configured to carry both DC and AC currents, while the electronics board cover contains circuitry for detecting and analyzing the current flow. The end plate ensures proper alignment and mechanical stability of the assembly. To enhance structural integrity and ease of installation, the system incorporates a first bracket that connects the electronics board cover to the bus bar, ensuring secure attachment and proper alignment of the sensing components. A second bracket connects the end plate to the bus bar, further stabilizing the assembly and maintaining precise positioning of all components. These brackets facilitate efficient assembly and disassembly while ensuring reliable performance under varying electrical loads. The combined design allows for simultaneous measurement of DC and AC currents, providing a unified solution for applications requiring both types of monitoring, such as renewable energy systems, industrial power distribution, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The system's modular construction and robust mechanical connections ensure durability and accuracy in demanding environments.
14. The in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system of claim 8 , wherein the electronic components further comprise a GPS device.
The invention relates to an in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system designed to monitor both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) in a single device. The system addresses the need for a compact, integrated solution that can accurately measure and analyze electrical currents in various applications, such as power distribution, renewable energy systems, and industrial equipment. Traditional systems often require separate sensors for DC and AC, leading to increased complexity, cost, and space requirements. This invention integrates both functionalities into a single unit, simplifying installation and reducing overall system footprint. The sensor system includes electronic components that process and transmit current data. A key feature is the inclusion of a GPS device, which enables precise timestamping and geolocation of measurements. This is particularly useful for remote monitoring, grid management, and fault detection in distributed energy systems. The GPS functionality allows for synchronized data collection across multiple sensors, improving system-wide analysis and diagnostics. The system may also include additional components such as data loggers, communication modules, and calibration circuits to ensure accuracy and reliability. By combining DC and AC sensing with GPS tracking, the invention provides a versatile tool for modern power management and monitoring applications.
15. A method for monitoring an electric power line connected to an electric power switch, comprising: connecting an in-line electric power line monitoring device to the electric power switch; connecting an electric power line conductor to the in-line electric power line monitoring device; the in-line electric power line monitoring device comprising: a bus bar connected in-line with the electric power line conductor; an electronics board positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board, electronic components carried on the electronics board comprising a microprocessor, a memory and a radio, the memory and the radio operatively connected to the microprocessor; a pair of DC current measurement pickups spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor; a power supply coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the power supply coil, the power supply coil configured to harvest electric energy from the power line conductor and provide the harvested electric energy to power the electronic components; an AC current sensor coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the AC current sensor coil; an electronics board cover positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board cover; an end plate positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the end plate, with the electronics board, the DC current measurement pickups, the power supply coil, and the AC current sensor coil positioned between the electronics board cover and the end plate.
The invention relates to monitoring electric power lines connected to power switches. The system addresses the need for real-time monitoring of electrical parameters in power distribution systems to ensure reliability and safety. The method involves installing an in-line monitoring device directly between the power switch and the power line conductor. The device includes a bus bar that conducts electricity through the system. An electronics board, positioned perpendicular to the bus bar, houses a microprocessor, memory, and a radio for data transmission. The microprocessor is connected to DC current measurement pickups spaced along the bus bar to detect current flow. A power supply coil, also transverse to the bus bar, harvests energy from the power line to power the electronic components, eliminating the need for external power. An AC current sensor coil monitors alternating current. The entire assembly is enclosed between an electronics board cover and an end plate, ensuring structural integrity and protection. This design enables continuous, self-powered monitoring of electrical parameters in power distribution networks.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein: the electronic components are carried on a side of the electronics board; and a foil patch antenna element is carried on an opposing side of the electronics board.
This invention relates to a compact electronic device incorporating a foil patch antenna element and electronic components on opposite sides of an electronics board. The device addresses the challenge of integrating antenna functionality with electronic circuitry in a space-constrained environment, such as wearable or portable devices, where minimizing size and weight is critical. The electronic components, which may include processors, sensors, or communication modules, are mounted on one side of the electronics board. On the opposing side, a foil patch antenna element is positioned to facilitate wireless communication. The foil patch antenna is designed to operate at specific frequencies, enabling efficient signal transmission and reception without interfering with the electronic components on the adjacent side. The arrangement optimizes space utilization by leveraging both surfaces of the board, ensuring compactness while maintaining reliable antenna performance. This configuration is particularly useful in applications where low-profile designs are essential, such as in medical devices, IoT sensors, or wearable electronics. The invention ensures that the antenna and electronics do not mutually obstruct each other, preserving signal integrity and device functionality.
17. The method of claim 15 , further comprising an antenna.
A system and method for wireless communication involves transmitting and receiving signals using a phased array antenna system. The phased array antenna system includes multiple antenna elements arranged in a grid, where each element can adjust its phase to steer the antenna beam electronically. The system dynamically adjusts the phase of each antenna element to optimize signal transmission and reception based on environmental conditions, such as interference or multipath effects. This allows for precise beamforming, improving signal quality and reducing power consumption. The system also includes a controller that monitors signal strength and adjusts the phase settings in real-time to maintain optimal performance. The antenna elements are configured to operate across multiple frequency bands, enabling versatile use in different wireless communication standards. The system further includes an antenna that enhances signal reception and transmission by focusing energy in specific directions, improving overall communication efficiency. This technology addresses challenges in wireless communication, such as signal interference, limited bandwidth, and power efficiency, by providing adaptive beamforming capabilities. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring high reliability and performance, such as 5G networks, satellite communications, and radar systems.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the antenna comprises a first foil patch antenna element that transmits communication signals having a first polarity and a second foil patch antenna element that transmits communication signals having a second polarity orthogonal to the first polarity.
This invention relates to antenna systems for wireless communication, specifically addressing the need for compact, high-performance antennas capable of transmitting signals with orthogonal polarizations. The system includes a dual-patch antenna design where a first foil patch antenna element transmits signals with a first polarization, and a second foil patch antenna element transmits signals with a second polarization orthogonal to the first. This orthogonal polarization allows for improved signal diversity and reliability in wireless communication, reducing interference and enhancing data throughput. The antenna elements are integrated into a single structure, enabling compact deployment while maintaining high efficiency. The design is particularly useful in applications requiring robust signal transmission, such as mobile devices, IoT systems, and high-frequency communication networks. The orthogonal polarization feature ensures better signal reception in multipath environments, where signals may reflect off surfaces, causing polarization mismatch in conventional single-polarity antennas. The foil-based construction allows for lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective manufacturing, making it suitable for mass production. The invention improves upon existing antenna designs by combining dual-polarity transmission in a single, space-efficient structure, addressing limitations in signal quality and coverage in modern wireless systems.
19. The method of claim 15 , further comprising receiving a temperature signal representative of the bus bar temperature, and using the temperature signal in temperature compensated computation of DC current flowing in the bus bar.
A method for monitoring electrical current in a bus bar, particularly in high-voltage or high-current applications where accurate measurement is critical. The method addresses the challenge of temperature-induced errors in current sensing, which can degrade measurement accuracy and reliability. The bus bar carries electrical current, and a magnetic field sensor is positioned near the bus bar to detect the magnetic field generated by the current. The sensor generates a signal proportional to the magnetic field, which is then processed to compute the direct current (DC) flowing through the bus bar. To improve accuracy, the method includes receiving a temperature signal representative of the bus bar temperature and using this signal in a temperature-compensated computation of the DC current. This compensation accounts for temperature-dependent variations in the sensor's sensitivity or the bus bar's electrical properties, ensuring more precise current measurements. The method may also involve calibrating the sensor to account for environmental factors or sensor placement, further enhancing measurement reliability. The technique is particularly useful in industrial, automotive, or renewable energy systems where precise current monitoring is essential for safety and performance.
20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the in-line electric power line monitoring device further comprises a first bracket connecting the electronics board cover to the bus bar, and a second bracket connecting the end plate to the bus bar.
This invention relates to an in-line electric power line monitoring device designed to monitor electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and power quality in power distribution systems. The device is installed directly on a bus bar, which is a conductive metal strip used to distribute electrical power. A key challenge in such monitoring devices is ensuring secure and stable mechanical attachment to the bus bar while maintaining electrical insulation and accessibility for maintenance. The monitoring device includes an electronics board cover that houses the monitoring circuitry and sensors, and an end plate that provides structural support and protection. To securely attach these components to the bus bar, the device incorporates a first bracket connecting the electronics board cover to the bus bar and a second bracket connecting the end plate to the bus bar. These brackets ensure proper alignment, stability, and electrical insulation while allowing for easy installation and removal. The design also facilitates access to the internal components for maintenance or calibration without disrupting the power distribution system. The monitoring device may further include features such as wireless communication modules to transmit data to a central monitoring system, ensuring real-time monitoring and diagnostics of the power line. This invention improves the reliability and efficiency of power distribution systems by providing a robust, easily installable, and maintainable monitoring solution.
Unknown
April 21, 2020
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